Journals from Galway, Ireland

2013-02-18 A Magical Week in Galway

A Saturday stroll down shop street to check out the market

Since last time I wrote, I have enjoyed many an Irish adventure. The archaeology field trip I was preparing for in my last journal was amazing! We spent a full Saturday winding through the rocky landscape of the Burren and stopping at a variety of medieval Irish settlements including ring forts, old parish churches, castles, and cemeteries... oh and a lunch pub stop for good measure! By a wonderful stroke of luck, the field class fell on the only sunny day of the week, and the beautiful, clear skies gave us a spectacular view of Galway bay and the green countryside from the top of the rocky Burren plateau. I was consistently amazed by the age of the buildings we visited. The settlements, with the help of our enthusiastic professor, told stories of the rich history of Gaelic life.

Just when I thought a class couldn't get any cooler, I had a chance to go on yet another field trip for my Indigenous Art Exploration course to Gaelic speaking Connemara. The class session was held in a cozy little pub (who knew pub class sessions would become a normal occurrence!) complete with a crackling fireplace and a hardwood dance floor. We spent the afternoon learning traditional Sean Nós dancing steps from renowned dancer Seosamh Ó Neachtain. The steps were harder than they looked! After a couple hours of hard work, we enjoyed a full lunch of vegetable soup, sandwiches, and DELICIOUS chips (French fries). I may not leave Ireland as a top-notch dancer, but I will walk away with fun memories from this wonderful afternoon.

In addition to the out of town adventuring, I have also been enjoying the process of becoming more local in Galway. By now, we have all found special spots in town where we like to eat, listen to music, and kick back. The excitement in Galway this week? Potterfest!!! Schools from all over Ireland are gathering at NUIG to nerd-out together about all things Harry Potter! I will grabbing my broom be competing for the NUIG intervarsity quittich club! Wish me luck!